Synchronization Signal Timeslot Reselection for Network Loop Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization techniques in wireless networks are ineffective in maintaining global synchronization when network devices fail, particularly due to the restrictive nature of existing synchronization target selection methods that can lead to synchronization loops and inefficient reselection of new targets.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronization signal timeslot reselection, where a network device downgrades its stratum index to an artificial one, allowing it to select new synchronization targets with higher stratum indices and avoiding synchronization loops by propagating this reselection through the network hierarchy, using a synchronization signal pattern cycle structure with subcycles for each stratum level and artificial stratum index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network devices use traditional synchronization target selection methods, then synchronization can be maintained under normal conditions, but synchronization loops occur and global synchronization is lost when network devices fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stratum index adjustment where network devices can downgrade their stratum index from a natural value to an artificial value during synchronization target reselection. This dynamic change allows the system to adapt to network failures and avoid synchronization loops, resolving the contradiction between maintaining synchronization reliability and adapting to failure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stratum index parameter from a fixed natural value indicating hop count to a configurable artificial value during reselection. This parameter change enables devices to select synchronization targets that would otherwise be unavailable, preventing synchronization loops while maintaining global synchronization even when network devices fail.
2Productivity
If network devices strictly follow stratum index hierarchy for synchronization target selection, then synchronization loops are avoided, but reselection efficiency decreases when current targets become unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial stratum index as an intermediary mechanism during reselection. This artificial index acts as a mediator that allows devices to temporarily bypass strict hierarchy rules when selecting new synchronization targets, improving reselection efficiency while the system maintains overall stability through controlled usage of this mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are transmitted in dedicated timeslots for each stratum level, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but timeslot reselection complexity increases when targets fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes synchronization timeslots universal by allowing devices to operate in both natural and artificial stratum index modes. The same timeslot structure serves multiple functions: maintaining accurate synchronization during normal operation and enabling flexible reselection during failures, thereby reducing timeslot management complexity while preserving synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems which provide for synchronization target selection by configuring a network device to reselect a synchronization signal transmission timeslot for synchronization target searching by the network device are described. Synchronization signal timeslot reselection may provide for downgrading a current stratum index to an artificial stratum index that does not accurately indicate a number of hops between the network device and a global synchronization source to allow for selection of available synchronization targets with stratum indices that are higher than or equal to the network device's stratum index without causing a synchronization loop. A synchronization signal pattern cycle structure having synchronization signal timeslots organized into multiple subcycles for accommodating synchronization signal timeslot reselection is utilized according to embodiments.